Debating the merits of William versus Harry in 140 characters via Twitter is no mean feat, and while I believe comparisons between the princes are both unfair and redundant, it is also essential to look at the big picture.
As patron and conceiver of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry has excelled in his position in Florida this week. He has hugged his way across Orlando championing the needs of veterans and urging those of us watching to shelve the pity in favor of being inspired by the incredible accomplishments of the many wounded yet valiant servicemen and women. As a veteran himself Harry carries his own scars from the battlefield, and as such he has devoted himself to aiding in the physical and mental rehabilitation of these brave men and women.
Watching Harry do what he does so well inevitably leads to comparisons to his older brother, Prince William, who has in recent weeks been accused of being work-shy, reluctant and even lazy. For those in the peanut gallery it’s rather easy to sit back and throw around criticism, but there are other powers at play.
Up until the abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII, the Queen led an idyllic childhood, one in which her parents, largely free of the stresses of royal life, were very much present. With the untimely death of her father in 1952 and her subsequent accession, it was a childhood she had little chance of emulating for her own children. The demands of the job kept her away for months at a time, and even when she was home she was burdened by the strains of constitutional duty. Criticism therefore swayed the other way with accusations of her being a detached and uncaring mother. As the direct heir, Charles too was denied the quality time with his children he no doubt longed for. He has always been an attentive father, but due to the nature of his position Charles and Diana were required to be fulltime working royals. Given the extremes of their experiences, Charles and the Queen are very keen for William to be afforded the quality family life they were forced to sacrifice.
As second-in-line to the throne there is no set constitutional role for William, and with a long royal future ahead, is it really such a bad thing that he be allowed the opportunity to give his children a loving well adjusted childhood? After all, George too will one day assume the mantle of sovereignty. The Queen’s advancing years are of course front and centre when the argument for William to “do more” escalates, but do more he will upon the upcoming conclusion of his air ambulance contract.
The other issue often forgotten is that for better or worse Prince Charles has pretty much spent his entire adult working life overshadowed by others. First by his beautiful, charismatic young wife and later by his popular son and daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge. Before the ink on the marriage certificate had even dried, calls rang out for William to overstep his father to become the nation’s next king. Constitutionally it doesn’t work like that, but it was no doubt a bitter pill to swallow for Charles, a man who has devoted his entire life to preparation for the top job. At sixty-seven Charles is the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, and when he does eventually become king he will do a fine job, but with society ever more driven by youth and beauty, he will constantly be fighting a losing battle to remain relevant. If at this stage the Queen or indeed Charles wanted William to be doing more, he would most definitely be doing more, but there’s no denying his destiny is calling.
Yes, Harry is doing a cracking job, and as long as he’s single and without children, it is easier for him to keep the focus on his royal role without the added pressure of impending kingship. With the births of George and Charlotte and his resulting drop in the pecking order, it would have been very easy for him to fumble around and lose his way. One only has to look to Prince Andrew to see the difficulty in carving out a successful role within the royal family when there really is no set role to be had. Instead, the success of Harry’s chief causes – Sentebale and Invictus – promise to be tangible long-lasting legacies for which he should be immensely proud. He connects in a way that is truly infectious, and his energy and vitality are a tremendous asset to both crown and country. Like his mother before him Harry is a big hugger, and his tactile and affectionate approach is embraced wherever he goes. It is a style that works beautifully for him, but why should the same be expected of William?
Out of respect for the position it is unbecoming for the future head of state to run around hugging everybody. The Queen doesn’t do it, nor does Charles, so why should William? William connects with his particular patronages in his own way, and it is individuality that should be recognized. If everyone took Harry’s approach the monarchy would become one big love fest. Us reticent Brits like the formality of our monarchy, and all that hugging would prove quite alarming at a tree planting, state banquet or during a walkabout.
The Queen struggled to identify with Diana’s touch-feely approach, but she acknowledged its positive impact right away, and she supported Diana throughout all her charitable endeavors. I am not comparing William and Harry to the Queen and Diana, but rather using their unique styles to illustrate how important individuality is and how neither approach is right or wrong. Throughout the royal family, from Charles and Anne, to Camilla, Sophie, Edward and Philip, each member of the family brings his or her own flair to the table, and each has its place.
I too am ready to see William find his calling and to embrace his destiny in a way that inspires confidence, but for a man who lost his mother so publically and tragically, and who has no say in his future, it is also important to recognize that he is a human being wrestling to find an acceptable balance between his public and private roles. We are all fallible and we all make mistakes. William wouldn’t have been forgiven quite so quickly as Harry over the Vegas antics, just as Harry wouldn’t be required to exhibit the same level of decorum with a visiting head of state.
Everyone loves Harry, but pitting brother against brother, style against style and position against position is an imprudent exercise. Harry will continue to shine within the royal family, but it is William who will be king, and it is William who has a lifetime of service ahead. I wouldn’t discount him just yet.
Royally Speaking 
I am one who wishes William would abdicate his position as heir to the heir. My reasons are simple. I admire his desire to be a loving husband and father. Something that is not always acheived in the Royal family. I
believe that he is trying to change the status quo (Harry will benefit from his efforts when he has a family) , but change is never easy.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte will never have to wonder if they are loved as many Royal children apparently have. It is evident how much William and Catherine love their children. If this has to be sacrificed for the public to embrace him, I sincerely hope they choose each other and their family. If the public prefers Harry, I say give them what them want they want.
William has been thru enough trauma in his life. Who needs the angst
of a fickle public?
William has been thru enough trauma in his life. Who needs the problems of an entire fickle country?
I appreciate your comment. Thanks for reading. Hypothetically speaking if William were ever to abdicate his position it would be George that would succeed him not Harry so it’s not something William would ever entertain. Out of respect for his grandmother and her legacy he would also never step aside.
William and Harry are both doing a good job in their own distinct ways. I think they are behaving perfectly for their positions and circumstances in life.
Agreed! : )
Victoria hits all the points with this well-written and well thought out piece. William cannot abdicate, as he has nothing to abdicate. He is not the sovereign, But one must be mindful of the fact that the succession is defined by legislation (and passed by 16 countries). William could renounce his rights but only without Parliament passing a law that removes him from the succession. He could convert to the Roman Catholic faith, which would mean an immediate exclusion from the throne. Edward VIII was allowed to abdicate only after Parliament passed an act of abdication.
Thanks so much, Marlene! : )
It’s admirable to acknowledge William’s loss of his mother being a factor in his ‘reticence’ but you miss the mark by not noting that so did Prince Harry.
You’re obviously absolutely correct, but my point there was that it was his loss that was informing his approach to his family and the struggle for balance. For now Harry remains single, but there’s no question that the loss of his mother informs his charitable endeavors and his devotion to his causes. Thanks for your comment.
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Harry proved to be at ease also with heads of state, William not ( both Will and Harry met Obama, Harry was brilliant and serious, William couldn’ t look Obama in the eyes and talked about George only, Wiliam said he never saw a Bollywood film in India, William and Kate found very interesting that kids were cut off hands to beg). Harry lost his mother as well as William, but Harry turned this tragic loss in something useful ( Sentebale), Will is still complaining. William is 34, half of his 30s is nearly gone, he is an adult! The loss of his mother surely molded his life, however he’ s an adult not a teenager, he should have somewhat overcome it all and he should act like an adult. William has kids, but has nannies. And if he hate his role so much, why doesn’ t he remove himself from the line of succession and enjoy his kids? If he’ s the heir to the throne he needs to work, if he doesn’ t want to work, he can give up the throne. He can’ t have it both ways. Charles in his 20s created the prince trust, Harry created the Invictus Games and Sentebale. What did William do? NothingAnd he became father a couple of years ago, so he had plenty of time to do something. Sorry if I offended anyone, this is my point of view, I’ m just showing my opinions
Don’t apologise for having an opinion! The very people Harry is championing this week all made tremendous sacrifices so that you can speak freely. Thanks for your comment.
Victoria, what both you and Piers fail to grasp is that it isn’t a popularity contest. It’s about respect.
I wouldn’t say that the Princess Royal is a popular figure, but she commands huge respect and if she were made Monarch tomorrow, there would be little complaint.
*i’m perfectly aware of the succession laws, so please don’t correct me.
Harry is popular because he has created something of value, that makes the world a better place. He could have the most dour personality and he would still be respected for that achievement. This is what is being celebrated.
What has William ever done except complain, tell the public that they are bad parents for being working parents – an argument you advance in your post above btw, make fun of public hardships -see that unfunny joke at Wimbledon during tube strikes, lie about his public duties – getting out of paraolympic duties with royal duties as the excuse only to be found sunning himself in France, advocated for trophy hunts, been a public hypocrite -hunting again……it’s like that line in a Monty Pytjon sketch….what did the romans (william) do for us? In William’s case, not very much. And with advancing years, all the excuses used to justify his lack of effort in all his roles are more and more transparent.
Finally, the idea that his prescribed role is stopping him from achieving stuff is really absurd. Charles has never been hemmed in by his prescribed role. His Princes Trust is a huge achievement created despite everything else he had to do as POW. A charity he started at age 28 with his naval salary pension.
Ditto Prince Philip with his Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. The Queen Mother wasn’t a decorative ornament despite presenting heself as a sherbet grannie, and Camilla has been a huge advocate for some serious causes in sexual violence, literacy and Osteoperosis. All have prescribed roles that didn’t come with a manual that they’ve turned into meaningful one.
Not to mention all those royals further down the line of succession who can really swan off into the sunshine eg the Kents, Gloucesters, the Wessexes. All have created something for themselves with no one to guide them.
Harry as the spare has the same fate as the lesser royals, and he didn’t sit at home or ran away or hide. Sentebale was inspired by his gap year as a teenager!!!
Meanwhile crickets from William on all fronts. And a full press corps to tell us that we should respect him nonetheless even though he does nothing and has achieved nothing. And the few interviews he does give only serve to reveal how out of touch and removed he is from his role and the public, not to mention his sincere belief in his own victimhood.
To quote the Queenmother,’The work you do is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on this earth.’ Can someone please tell William? And can we stop pretending that the respect Harry has earned is solely due to personality and not hardwork?!
Great comment and you’re absolutely right about the other royals’ charitable endeavors, but they too have had their slips and come out the other side. Charles himself has said he had to fight for The Prince’s Trust to be taken seriously and as I’m sure you remember his popularity couldn’t have sunk any lower during the Diana years. The DoE awards have been immensely successful, but in the beginning Philip was a very unpopular choice for the he Queen’s spouse. As for Camilla she has always handled herself with the utmost class, but it has taken a long time for her to be accepted. As I said in my article the success of Sentebale and Invictus promise to be tangible lifelong legacies for which Harry should be very proud. I have enormous respect for the monarchy and the family is very lucky to have Harry, but my hope for the future is that comparisons between the brothers will cease. Each has something different to offer and each resonates differently with people from all walks of life. Let’s focus on the good works as opposed to pitting them against each other. I don’t believe that benefits anyone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I agree pitting them against each other serves no purpose; it’s not like they’re going to go out and raise armies and fight it out on the field. But let’s not paint William as something he isn’t. He does not appear to like his role, and I’m afraid that he will be the end of the monarchy. Because if the King doesn’t care, why should the public?
Thank you for your comment. I was suggesting William not be discounted just yet. As you may remember Charles went through a long and deeply unpopular period. He too was accused of being the end of the monarchy. Like any business there are ups and downs. Hopefully in William’s case the best is yet to come and hopefully sooner rather than later. All the best.
Pure Sophistry, but i’m sure you are well paid to advance such an argument.
Well, given it’s my own personal blog I don’t get paid for it, but I’m sorry you feel so slighted. You don’t have to agree with, like or even read my blog, but therein lies the beauty of living in a free thinking democracy. I was critical to NEITHER camp so I’m not sure why you’re so bent out of shape. I’m certainly not “advancing” anything, but rather sharing my own personal opinion. I too have been disappointed by some of William’s choices, but until you have walked a day in someone else’s shoes is it fair to criticize so vehemently? I don’t think so. Wishing you all the best.
That is insulting! You obviously are trying your best to put William down but don’t insult others for having another opinion. William is a decent man with huge public support. He has done his charitable share and will continue to do so in his lifetime. I suggest you try spreading kindness instead of not hatred.
Jessica: my comment is purely about the work. As is my criticism of Victoria Arbiter’s arguments which don’t support William’s own words and actions.
If you have a record of all this charitable work William is supposed to be doing, i’d really love to see it. And if the best you can say is that William is a decent person, then you have no point to make since we are all agreed that all the royals are decent people.
You speak the truth. William is William because his circumstances and Harry is Harry because of his. They are both wonderful boys their parents should be proud of. Here in Canada we look forward to the day that William becomes king. He will be a very good one.
Thanks so much, Jessica. I’m glad to hear it!
Someone needs to tell Piers Morgan that when Prince George was born, Harry said he was delighted as it pushed him further down the pecking order. The notion that he would be happy to be given the top job is absurd. He’s clearly stated otherwise.
Prince William did hug one of the 7/7 relatives who lost a family member at the 10th anniversary commemorations last year. Even that act of humanity elicited sarcastic comments on Twitter, as Victoria may remember.
Also, I’m astonished at the apparent respect for Charles, presumably since his Prince’s Trust documentary on ITV. The hatred and loathing and demands for he and Camilla to disappear in favour of William and Kate not so long ago – comments you still see on the DMOnline – which were once worldwide, now seem to have transferred to William.
It seems there will always be criticism, astonishingly from BRF followers who aren’t directly affected by any decisions, AS THEY’RE NOT EVEN BRITISH OR FROM A COMMONWEALTH COUNTRY. This conundrum still astounds me.
Thank you so much for your fantastic and very insightful comment. People forget what Charles went through. I appreciate you writing.
Pitting one brother against the other always happened. Generally the “spare” would be trashed to make the heir look better. Nobody came to defend Harry back then. And that was a good thing because it had forced him to make amends for his mistakes. It matured him. William is being surpassed by his younger brother not because he’s not the heir but because Harry cares.
They have different personalities of course. But nobody is asking William to go hug everybody. What we’re asking him is to care enough for the people that he’ll be King of one day.
Him not wanting to work because he has kids is an insult to the people who pays for his lifestyle. We all know he loathes royal duties but loves the perks that being royal brings. Maybe, just maybe, the press should stop covering for him so his mistakes can be out in the open. That might help him mature like it did to his brother.
Assuming he doesn’t want to work is very speculative. There are other issues at play, but as I said in my piece I too am ready to see him step up and inspire confidence in his role. You made many valid points – thanks for your comment.
I think you give a balanced opinion. Pitting brother against brother is neither fair nor kind. It is also a little bit funny that the arguement for William to abdicate in favour of Harry is almost word-for-word the same that was used not 5 years ago about Charles and William.
A point often over-looked is that William has a long royal career ahead of him, with a upward trajectory, building up to being King one day. Harry on the other hand have a “limited royal lifespan” with a downward trajectory. If he wants to use his position to make a difference, now is the best time. In 20-30 years, when George and Charlotte are adults and working royals, Harry will be the middle aged brother/uncle to the King. The person relegaded to the second row at royal events, not recognised by any but the most ardent royal followers. In a world facinated by youth it is a sad but true fact. I suspect Harry realise this and want to make the best of this time.
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m glad you found the piece balanced that was certainly my aim and I was very surprised to find that some found it to be an attack on Harry! Couldn’t have been further from that, but also interesting that people seem to think William could step aside in favour of Harry. Constitutionally it doesn’t work that way, but, hypothetically speaking, if William were to ever step aside it would be George who would be next in-line followed by Charlotte so all in all a moot point!
If William ever seriously considered giving up his claim to the throne he would have done it before the birth of his kids. There is no way he will abidicate (ignoring the fact that he can abidicate a throne that is not his yet) and put George in the firing line.
Couldn’t agree more!